Improvement in dash-boards for carriages



A. H URD.

improvement in Dash-'Boards fdr Carriages.

jm f y Wy A.r 040 f f M. Y W* UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ARTEMAS B. HURD, OF PAINTED POST, NEW YORK.

IMPROVEMENT IN DASH-BOARDS FOR CARRIAGES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 120,647, dated November 7, 1871.

To all whom it 'may concern:

Be it known that I, ARTEMAs B. HURD, of Painted Post, in the county of Steuben and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Dash-Boards for Garriages, of which the following is a specification:

My invention consists in the construction of a metallic dash-board, as hereinafter described, the same forming a new article of manufacture, capable of being applied to a carriage-body by simply fastening in place.

In the drawing, Figure l is a perspective view; Fig. 2, a section through the rim.

The object of this improvement is to avoid the difficulties and expense presented in the manufacture and use of leather dash-boards. In the manufacture of ordinary leather dashboards an iron frame is first made by the blacksmith, which is difficult to form accurately and of proper shape. When this is done it goes to the carriage-trimmer, who applies the leather. This is also diflicult and exacting work, and requires a workman of more than ordinary skill and abilities. A whip-socket must also be attached, which is usually secured by small straps that leave it loose and hanging when the weight of the whip is applied. If a reinholder is applied, itis also difficult to secure in place. Dashboards constructed in such a manner are very expensive. In a short time, also, the leather, exposed to sun and rain and heat and cold, becomes cracked and dimmed, which destroys its beauty. If torn or broken, it cannot be repaired to look well again, unless the entire covering is removed and replaced.

To remedy these difficulties, I make the dashboard A of sheet metal and combine with it the whip-socket B and reinholder C, by soldering, riveting or otherwise attaching, so that the whole forms an integral device, which constitutes a new article of manufacture, and which may be kept on sale, ready to be applied to any wagon or carriage-body.

The dash-board is made in the usual form, with the marginal edges turned or bent over an iron bow or frame, a, so Vas to form a stiff rib around the whole circumference, also across the bottom, if desired. If desired, in place of the iron frame, the circumferential edges may be stiffened and stregthened by bending or turning over the edges of the same. At the bottom corners of this bow or frame are feet -b b, whose angle may be made to correspond to that of the carriage-body, to which they are secured; or, if desired, the carriage-maker may supply these attachments or feet at the time of use.

I further stiften and strengthen the dash-board by beading or corrugating the body of the ssnn c across the width or around the entire circumference thereof, as shown at d d. This not only adds great strength, but it also gives an ornamental and finished appearance.

I also form, at suitable points, openings ff, which form hand-holes to assist the person in getting in and out of the carriage.

The whip-socket is simply a metallic tube secured fast in place. V

The rein-holder consists of a spring-rod or bar, which is made fast in its center, and has its arms q g standing o' a sufficient distance, so as to admit the reins between them and the dash.

The whole forms a combined dash-board, whipsocket, and rein-holder, which, when properly Japanned or otherwise prepared and polished, presents a fine appearance, and is fully equal, it' not superior, to the leather dash-board when new.

It has the advantage of costing but a fraction of the latter and being much more durable, as it will not crack or `break, and its great stifness prevents it from easily becoming bent or bruised. If it becomes bruised, it is easily han mered in place again, whereas the leather, if punctured, cannot be easily repaired. It always retains its form, while leather yields and becomes loose and baggy.

What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A dash-board formed of sheet or other metal, of a single thickness and having the edges bent or turned over the marginal bow, in combination with the feet b, substantially as described, as a new article of manufacture.

2. In combination with the dash board A, formed of sheet metal, the rigid whip-socket B and rein-holder C, said parts constituting an integral whole, as herein described.

3. The stifening and strengthening of the circumferential edges of the dash-board by means of bending or turning over the edges thereof, as herein described.

In witness whereof Ihave hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

A. B. HURD. Witnesses:

J. W. HIGMAN, A. F. TnvrERMAN; (31) 

